The NFL playoffs are in full swing, and it seems like even basketball’s biggest personalities can’t avoid the buzz. During a recent episode of Steam Room, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick stopped by and let everyone in on a little-known secret—a play named after Charles Barkley. Yes, you read that right—a play called “Charles Barkley.” But here’s the kicker: while it may sound like the ultimate tribute, it might’ve left Chuck regretting his friendly ties with Belichick.

Belichick broke it all down on the podcast, explaining how this “Charles Barkley” play became a key part of his offensive strategy. “The Charles Barkley play was a play-action pass, and we ran it almost in every game, usually in key situations,” Belichick said. He described how the fake running play pulled linebackers toward the line of scrimmage, leaving tight end Rob Gronkowski wide open. “As soon as [Tom Brady] came off the fake, he’d just turn around and whip the ball,” he added.

According to Belichick, “It really was an unstoppable play.” Why?

“Even in practice, we couldn’t hardly stop it because Rob was so big,” he admitted. “Even if [Gronk] was covered, he was open.” Belichick painted a vivid picture of a defense completely outmatched—linebackers stuck in no-man’s-land as Gronk dominated with his size and skill. Whether in man or zone coverage, the play always seemed to work.

What makes this even funnier is the backstory behind the name. Belichick called it the “Charles Barkley” play as a nod to their friendship. But while Barkley may have felt honored, he also had to relive a brutal memory because of it. Back in 2020, Barkley bet $100,000 on the Falcons during the Super Bowl against the Patriots—a game Atlanta led 28-3 before Belichick’s team pulled off an iconic comeback.

On ‘The Dan Patrick Show’, Barkley called it “the worst betting beat of my life.” The Falcons didn’t just lose; they failed to cover the spread thanks to a game-sealing OT touchdown.

But true to form, Chuck left the heartbreak behind and had some fun with the Inside the NBA crew, hilariously trying to mimic the “Charles Barkley” play.

Chuck and crew take on the “Charles Barkley” play

It all started with disbelief from Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith when they found out about the “Charles Barkley” play. Naturally, the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew decided to give it a shot live on-air. Spoiler alert—it wasn’t exactly the clean execution that Belichick described. But hey, chaos makes for great TV, right?

Once Belichick revealed the mechanics of the play, the TNT studio turned into a full-blown comedy zone. Johnson lined up to play quarterback while Charles Barkley tried to channel his inner Gronk. On the first try, though, Chuck let an easy pass slip right through his hands, leaving everyone rolling with laughter. Thankfully, redemption came quickly on his second attempt when he caught the pass and managed to finish the move.

The third attempt, however, was a total miss. The ball sailed far past Barkley, and before he could even get close to it, Shaq stepped in to play defense—if we’re being generous. Barkley attempted to sell a “pass interference” call on Shaq, but the big man wasn’t buying it. The moment led to another round of uncontrollable laughter, with Chuck shaking his head in mock frustration.

Despite missing two out of three tries, Barkley walked away with bragging rights. After all, how many people can say an NFL play is named after them? It’s a story only Sir Charles could pull off!